Let's not rush to legalize pot

Marijuana in Maine continues to draw headlines. Just several weeks ago, it was learned that medical marijuana is being legally grown in nearby York, under a state law that does not require growers to notify the municipality of their operation. Now last week, we learn that the national Marijuana Policy Project is targeting Yor...

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Posted Mar. 27, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Posted Mar. 27, 2014 at 2:00 AM

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Marijuana in Maine continues to draw headlines. Just several weeks ago, it was learned that medical marijuana is being legally grown in nearby York, under a state law that does not require growers to notify the municipality of their operation. Now last week, we learn that the national Marijuana Policy Project is targeting York, as well as South Portland and Lewiston, to possibly legalize recreational use of pot, a la Portland. In Portland, residents last November passed a referendum that legalizes the individual possession of up to 2.5 ounces of pot but prohibits people from smoking in public. It's also still illegal for people to purchase or sell marijuana. The effort is seen as largely symbolic, because it's only a civil infraction anywhere in Maine to possess 2.5 ounces. But it is seen by advocates as a sign of further relaxing marijuana laws in Maine, as well as New Hampshire and nationwide. Although the MPP would not confirm it has plans to begin a ballot drive in York, if it did, it would work to gather signatures to place a measure on this November's ballot.

Meanwhile, there are efforts in both Maine and New Hampshire to legalize marijuana. A bill that would regulate the drug similar to alcohol passed the N.H. House Ways and Means Committee last week on its way to the House floor. However, even if passes the House and Senate it will be vetoed by Gov. Maggie Hassan, who opposes legalziation efforts in the state. In Maine, the Marijuana Policy Project is laying the groundwork for a statewide citizen petition ballot initiative in November, 2016 — an effort similar to the successful legalization of pot in Colorado.

At the state level, we have been clear in our view that the time is not right for outright legalization of marijuana. While we do not believe pot is any more intoxicating than hard liquor, beer or wine, we have a hard time condoning yet another brain-cell-killing, addictive substance for recreational use. On the other hand, there is a potential for it to bring in funds to cash-strapped coffers in both states. We believe the states should wait, and watch to see what happens over time in Colorado and Oregon. There is no rush, as we see it.

However, we emphatically do not like this cherry-picking approach that the Marijuana Policy Project is taking in Maine. To target individual municipalities as test cases is to us unsound and fraught with potential danger. Even though it is still illegal to sell or buy pot or smoke it in public, even though it is a civil infraction to possess less than 2.5 ounces, the Portland ordinance would put the municipal police departments in a terrible bind. "It confuses the issue," said York Police Chief Douglas Bracy last week, and we couldn't agree more. What is legal, what is not? What can police do, what can't they do, and when would they be opening themselves up to legal action — something that could be a burden to taxpayers? We truly hope that the MPP does not go forward with its plans to seek a citizens petition initiative in York; but if it does, residents should reject the measure out of hand.